Train SMARTER not harder!

Have you recently gotten hurt, become pregnant, or started your postpartum journey? If so it's time to do some evaluating!!

Often times a person will start a "fitness" journey no matter what industry that is in and they will give it 100% every single time they workout. They will push themselves to the limit every time and not give a second thought to the little twinge of pain they feel in their knee, ab, quad, shoulder, etc. Instead they tell themselves to be strong and fight through the pain.....Here's the deal....

Not Smart!

I say that with lots and lots of love! I've been there! The thing is though, if you are trying to become the best version of you, and in the "best shape of your life" then you have to train smart.

Trust me I get it!

You feel good you're finally doing something you love. You're noticing muscles you didn't know you had. You're lifting weight you never thought was possible. Maybe you're finally getting that yoga pose you've been working so hard to get. And then you start to feel that small pain...and you ignore it. You keep pushing yourself because you feel stronger than ever, except for that little bit of pain. I also know what happens next. Your trainer, coach, or instructor asks you how you feel. Maybe they saw that small wince you made during that movement. You either tell them you're doing great or maybe you do mention the small amount of pain. Then they suggest you do something different...and you don't listen....then here's what happens next: your small little pain turns into something more and something that will most likely end up setting you back even longer than if you would have asked for help right away.

That's a big part of the problem right there and here is part of the solution :)

Stay educated on what you're doing but TRUST your coach! He/she has your best interests in mind and can give you modifications to help you heal properly. Or they can refer you to a trusted professional in the area that can help. Either way staying silent and fighting through the pain is not the answer.

Admitting you need help is a sign you are STRONG not weak!

I've said it before and I still believe it! When you get hurt, sick, extra stressed, pregnant, or whatever it might be "fighting through" is not always what is best for you. Sometimes it is taking a step back, taking off some weight, decreasing reps, or even taking a day off; that is what your body truly needs.

Don't make your problems worse!

If you can get over your pride and ego and do what is truly best for your body I promise in the long run you will see better results. If you trust the process and take the time to heal whether that is physical, mental, or both. You WILL come back stronger.

The next part of the solution?

How hard are you working every time? Are you going as hard as you can? I bet your coach would suggest not doing that. Why? Because going 100% every workout doesn't make you stronger, faster, or better. In fact, the opposite happens, you'll eventually hit a wall. You will stop seeing gains/improvements and you'll wonder why. You aren't allowing your body the chance to heal between workouts and are missing out on a big part of the equation! It's important to focus on your movement pattern and then increase intensity. Save that 100% + for the day of the competition or when your coach tells you to turn it up.

Training or competing?

Speaking of competing...how often are you comparing your performance to the person next to you? Or someone that is 'close' in skill level. How often do you push yourself as hard as you can just so you can beat that one person or persons in that workout for the day? Is that really what it's about? Do you really think that is what will make you a better athlete? Your competing should be saved for an actual competition where you test all of YOUR hard work and NOT how YOU compare to others!

So next time you feel that twinge of pain or like something isn't right: speak up!

Don't be afraid to ask for help and stay on the journey to becoming better and stronger!